Jaysh al-Ummah (Gaza)

Jaysh al-Ummah ( الجيش الأمة, translated as "Army of the Nation" or "Army of the Ummah") is a Salafi jihadist group operating primarily in the Gaza Strip. Formed in 2009, the group subscribes to a global jihadist ideology and aims to establish an Islamic state in Palestine based on Sharia law. Jaysh al-Ummah has claimed responsibility for various attacks against Israel, including rocket fire and bombings, often acting independently from or in competition with Hamas, the de facto governing authority in Gaza.

The group is considered a small but active faction within the broader spectrum of Salafi jihadist organizations present in Gaza. It is known for its hardline stance and rejection of any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating instead for armed struggle to liberate Palestine. While the exact size of Jaysh al-Ummah is unknown, its operational capabilities are limited compared to larger groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Jaysh al-Ummah has been designated as a terrorist organization by various countries and entities. It has faced crackdowns and security operations by Hamas, which seeks to maintain control over security within Gaza and prevent groups from launching attacks that could provoke Israeli retaliation. Despite these efforts, Jaysh al-Ummah continues to operate and pose a challenge to the stability of the region. The group's ideology and actions contribute to the fragmentation of the Palestinian political landscape and further complicate efforts towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.